Oklahoma State University Athletics
Smith Earns Fourth-Straight Region Honor
November 18, 2009 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
Nov. 18, 2009
NEW ORLEANS – Oklahoma State cross country coach Dave Smith was named the recipient of The Roy Griak Award, given to the USTFCCCA Midwest Region coach of the year, for the fourth straight year, the coaches association offices announced today.
Last Saturday, Smith guided the Cowboys to their fifth-consecutive NCAA Midwest Region crown. He has kept the Cowboys at the top of the USTFCCCA Midwest Region rankings for the duration of the season. Smith was the orchestrator of OSU's conservative team approach that led to seven runners landing spots on the all-Region team, despite not having a runner finish higher than ninth.
Smith also repeated as the Big 12 Coach of the Year after leading the Cowboys to their second-consecutive league crown on Oct. 31. The Cowboys dominated that race, with runners claiming the top four spots.
“The coach of the year award in the region is really recognition of the team,” Smith said. “It's an honor to win as a coach, but it's more of a tribute to how well the guys have done. I'm excited and thrilled. It's a great indication of how far our program has come.”
Smith's second-ranked Cowboys return to action at the NCAA Championships in Terre Haute, Ind., on Nov. 23.
